The young Italian talisman struck two first-half goals for City before receiving two yellow cards in three minutes just after the hour-mark to be consigned to the bench for the remainder of proceedings.

City boss Roberto Mancini said he doesn't agree with the decision of referee Lee Probert and said the club may seek action.

"I absolutely do not agree with the referee about this sending-off," Mancini said.

"A red card for what? He played a fantastic game, he scored two goals, but the sending-off was very strange.

"I want to know why it was a direct red card. For me this is not correct and the referee must explain."

But Mancini admits that he was keen to get the fiery Balotelli off after his first yellow but couldn't manage the change before the ex-Inter Milan man was involved in a clash with Youssuf Mulumbu.

"I am angry because I explained to him before the game - pay attention with the referee," Mancini added.

"I wanted to change Adam Johnson for Mario, but I didn't have time to make the change."